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Job Description

Are you fascinated by other planets and space missions that study them?

Can you imagine yourself analyzing data that help to support the return of humans to the Moon?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a post-doctoral researcher focused on thermal infrared studies of airless bodies. The successful candidate will play a key role in the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's Diviner Lunar Radiometer science team, providing scientific analysis of Diviner data, and aiding in observation planning and data product generation. Additional opportunities are available to support other orbital and landed spaceflight thermal infrared instruments studying the Moon, Mercury, and small bodies, using methods related to thermal modeling, laboratory experimentation, and spacecraft data analysis. The post-doc will also be expected to establish and conduct independent research related to thermal modeling of planetary surfaces.

We seek a recent Ph.D. graduate (by summer 2023) with a strong background in lunar geology, airless body surface processes, thermal infrared remote sensing, and numerical thermal modeling. Experience with the analysis of spacecraft data of airless bodies (and especially familiarity with LRO Diviner) and an interest in undertaking laboratory work are highly desired.

If selected, you will join APL’s Planetary Exploration Group, a roughly 60-person, intellectually diverse group that is part of the more than 1300 scientists, engineers, and staff that make up the Space Exploration Sector. Opportunities exist to build on APL’s existing leadership roles in lunar and planetary science and planetary defense. The group runs a half-dozen research laboratories and supports numerous active and planned missions throughout the solar system.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• A Ph.D. in a field related to planetary science (obtained by summer 2023)
• Experience with thermal infrared instrumentation (including calibration and/or data analysis), airless body surface processes, numerical thermal modeling, scientific programming languages (such as IDL, Python, or Matlab), and scripting in Linux operating systems. 
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• A desire to lead or contribute to independent research proposals as well as mission and instrument development efforts.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...

• A publication record in the field of lunar science
• Familiarity working on mission/instrument teams, understanding spaceflight hardware calibrations, and using mission/instrument ground data system for scientific analysis.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.